STDS are always a risk whenever you have sex, even if you are not having it with the opposite sex. This article focuses on the risks of STDS if your sex is female,and you have sex with other females or persons with vulvas. These are some ways STDS can still be transmitted, and how to prevent risk of transmission.

This is an obvious one- always get tested before you have sexual contact with a new partner. Although there is no risk of pregnancy here, there is still risk of transmitting Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, HPV, and HSV (herpes) - among others. Your risk of transmitting or contracting an STD will increase if you have sexual contact while on your menstrual cycle. Listed below are other ways on how this happens, and ways to lower the risks:

STDS such as HPV and HSV are transmitted from skin to skin contact, and others such as Bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, chlamydia and gonorrhea and in some cases HIV and Syphilis can be transmitted through exchanging vaginal fluids. This can happen during oral sex(vaginal). The same applies when a woman is giving or receiving oral sex anally. To help lower the risk, you can use a dental dam when engaging in oral sex, which will protect you and your partner ( or at least make it less risky) . Not going down on someone won’t keep you 100% safe either. These stds can also be spread from inserting a finger into the vagina- and can be transmitted this way if a woman gets exposed to the fluids from an infected partner. For this, using thin gloves ( think OBGYN) can help. As previously mentioned, skin to skin contact can spread STDS ,particularly Herpes and public lice(aka crabs). To prevent the risks, never have sex with someone with an active sore present, as they are highly contagious. Always check to see there aren’t any open sores and wounds present. It’s not unusual to use sex toys during sex. However, when toys are shared vaginally, orally, and anally, this is another way that STDS can be transmitted. This risk can be reduced by not sharing toys. If you decide to share toys, consider using a condom for any penetrative activity to reduce this risk, and be sure to clean them with a toy cleaner after use.

Activities where blood play is involved where you’re transmitting blood can put you at risk of Hepatitis B,C ,and HIV. Be sure to always use clean needles, and do not share them. Vaccination is available for Hepatitis B. To reiterate- the most important thing to minimize risk of STD is always testing , and open honest communication with your partner. Be sure to always test before, and if you are still worried of possible exposure, take these precautions for extra protection- always remember to practice safe sex!